Decane

Decane

Decane is a hydrocarbon from the alkane series with the chemical formula C10H22. It is a colorless liquid that boils at 174.1 degrees Celsius and has a specific gravity of 0.730 at 20 degrees Celsius.

Chemical Properties

Decane is a member of the alkane series, which are saturated hydrocarbons. This means that decane, like all alkanes, consists only of hydrogen and carbon atoms with all the carbon-carbon bonds being single bonds. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms. For decane, n=10, so it has 10 carbon atoms and 22 hydrogen atoms.

Decane is a nonpolar molecule, which means it is not soluble in polar solvents like water, but it is soluble in nonpolar solvents such as benzene and other hydrocarbons. It is less dense than water and will float on top of it.

Physical Properties

Decane is a colorless, odorless liquid at room temperature. It has a boiling point of 174.1 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -29.7 degrees Celsius. It is less dense than water, with a specific gravity of 0.730 at 20 degrees Celsius.

Uses

Decane is used primarily as a solvent and in the manufacture of paraffin products. It is also used in the laboratory for testing and calibration. In addition, it is used as a fuel in certain types of lamps and heaters.

Safety

Decane is a highly flammable liquid and vapor. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and may be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling decane, including the use of protective clothing and adequate ventilation.

See Also

• Alkane
• Hydrocarbon
• Chemical formula
• Solvent